Federal Judge Rejects Lawsuits Over Contraception Requirements In Affordable Care Act, But Upholds Challenge By College In Ventura County

Posted on Monday, December 23, 2013 4:28pm

A federal court judge has rejected lawsuits by some groups affiliated with the Catholic Church that challenged the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that their insurance for employees cover contraception, but a small Ventura County college has won its part of the legal action.

In her decision, Jackson said that because of changes made to the law, it no longer requires the entities to provide for, pay for, or facilitate access to contraception. The ruling says because the insurance is provided by third part contractors, there is no burden on the religious institutions.

However, the judge upheld relief from the requirement for Thomas Aquinas College.

She noted because the Ventura County college is self-insured, providing contraception services could be in conflict with its faith.

The judge granted a permanent injunction against the requirement for the college.